Why Used Cars Dealers Have The Upper Hand?

By: Glen Crawford


All USA-based used car dealers are required to follow the guidelines contained in the 'Used Car Rule' publication, issued by the Fair Trade Commission. The only relaxation being, that if they sell less than 5 cars in a calendar year, they are not treated as used cars dealerships, and don't have to abide by these laws.

All cars hold by the used car dealership and destined for sale, should identify the fact clearly on cars' or within them. This should remove any ambiguity and make the car identification process clear for the intending buyer. Of course, the dealer's location should also be clearly marked by a signage stating: 'Used Cars for Sale' or similar.

At the back of the sign, used car dealers must indicate the complete name and address of the dealership, along with the contact numbers where consumers could call on for possible complaints or any concern in the future. The sign is also called a guide, as it contains all relevant information that the buyer may be interested to know. This way, used car dealers can give confidence to the buyer and at the same time build credibility and reputation for good customer service.

National Automobile Dealers Association clearly stipulates that the information provided to the prospective buyer should include the following: insurance coverage if any, additional warranty cover, duration of valid registration. Also, it is in the dealer's interest to inform the buyer about the presence of any visible and hidden impediments that would have an effect on vehicle buyer's decision. Things like: badly worn out motor, noisy diff, rusty floor, etc. should be brought to his/her attention.

The question: which vehicles are considered to be 'used'? The answer: all that have been titled. It's up to the individual dealership to provide proof of the ownership to the prospective buyer, and help him/her to confirm that the vehicle identification number is listed in the documents correctly.

Nowadays, used car dealers tend to group in chains of dealerships. This is often dictated by the commonality of the make they sell, or for the economical interests. Indeed, used car dealers can better serve customers by exchanging relevant information about the stocks of used vehicles they have. Online presence makes it even easier. Members of a dealership group have their used cars available for sale, listed on one website. There the prospective customer can browse and select his/her favorite unit.

All used car dealers have to be dully licensed by the state authorities, and adhere to the relevant state and federal laws and regulations. All this is apart from the usually coveted membership in their professional organization NADA. Although there may be some paper work involved, and the bureaucracy may feel stifling at times, the benefits to the customers are enormous.

It's all about getting thee best deal! From the buyer's perspective, all used cars dealerships have their stock seriously overpriced. But, the way the seller sees it is quite opposite. He thinks that buyers try to get an unrealistic bargain, and drive the selling price down too far, hence depriving the dealer of his profits. As always the truth lies somewhere in-between. The great majority of used car dealers are very honest and hard working people. Hopefully, you'll meet one of them when searching for your next set of wheels.

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Used car dealerships declare to be oriented to delivering you the best deal possible. Glen Crawford's site UsedCars-Latest.com gives you the latest helpful advice when approaching used car dealers.
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